Dec. 14, 2023Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) will participate in the development project*1 of a new antimalarial drug (hereinafter, “this project”) promoted by Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Fosun Pharma”), Medicines for Malaria Venture (hereinafter, “MMV”), and Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (hereinafter, “MORU”).
Malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles carrying the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, is known as one of the three major infectious diseases in the world. The disease sickens approximately 250 million people is considered the cause of death for over 600,000 people*2 annually. In recent years, there has been an increase in the spread of Plasmodium falciparum, which is resistant to conventional antimalarial drugs*3, in the Mekong and African regions, where it has become a significant social issue.
Against this backdrop, Marubeni, together with its partner companies, has decided to engage in the development of a new antimalarial drug*4 effective against Plasmodium falciparum utilizing the malaria treatment drug development funding program supported by the GHIT Fund. Marubeni will promote the smooth implementation of this project by managing operations from a project management perspective.
Marubeni regards its pharmaceutical business as a next-generation business needed in countries around the world, and while promoting overseas pharmaceutical sales promotion projects, it is also engaged in the development of new antibacterial drugs in China*5. Through this project, Marubeni will deepen its understanding of drug development, aim for further business expansion, and contribute to the health and living standards of people worldwide by increasing treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.
*1 Project name: “Evaluation and preparation for the introduction of a fixed-dose combination of artemether-lumefantrine-amodiaquine (three existing antimalarial drugs already developed, marketed and sold) to combat the resistance of tropical malaria parasites to conventional antimalarial drugs”*2 Source: WHO World malaria report 2022*3 Combination of an artemisinin derivative with one antimalarial drug (artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)) *4 Combination of an artemisinin derivative with two antimalarial drugs (triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT))*5 Apr. 26, 2023Expansion of Pharmaceutical Business Initiatives: Clinical Trial for a Novel β-lactamase Inhibitor in China https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2023/release/00046.html
